“I Threw My Physicality Out the Window” – RealityNewsOnline’s Exclusive Interview with Survivor: Gabon’s Crystal

RNO: A number of previously voted off contestants have indicated that they felt you and Ken were more lucky than good in your strategy. How do you respond to that?

Crystal: The game happened the way it happened. There were numerous flops and tribe switches. When we had to form alliances with people, that’s what we did. The game is about outwit, outplay, outlast. Up until that point, that is what we did. They got a taste of the KFC attack. That means “Kenny Freaking Crystal” by the way. (Laughing.)

RNO: Sugar said several times last night that she wanted “the good people” to win. Why are you not considered a good person?

Crystal: At that point, she considered me a bad person because I yelled at Matty. But the way she blindsided folks and switched alliances, I don’t consider that good either. People who know me personally know I’m a good person and probably one of the most likeable people that you’ll ever come across in life.

RNO: Speaking of life outside the game, have there been any repercussions with your cousin for voting off Marcus?

Crystal: No, we talk all the time. He has no bitter feelings and understands it was a strategic move. I had to protect Kenny the same way Kenny protected me.

RNO: Heading in to Tribal Council, were you pretty confident that either Bob would give up immunity and leave, or that Matty would go instead?

Crystal: Going into Tribal Council, I am never confident. I knew it was probably going to be me going. When Matty made his spiel about Kenny and Crystal being a strong alliance from Day 1, I knew at that point one of us would get broken up. Watching Sugar’s facial reaction with immunity, I knew it was time to go.

RNO: Sugar isn’t really good about keeping secrets in her face, is she?

Crystal: No, she wears it on her shoulders.

RNO: Earlier in the show, we saw you get pretty down in the dumps. Then your mood seemed to pick up quite a bit. And so on. Did you have that much of an emotional roller coaster, or was it mostly the editing?

Crystal: I really did have an emotional rollers coaster out there. I was without food as many of us were and it was taking a toll on me. [In my outside life,] I was never in a situation where I was among a bunch of losers. Success breeds success and for me to be among a situation where we were constantly losing, it was hard. I had to dig deep, pull from home and my family. That was very much the emotional side of Crystal.

RNO: In hindsight, is there anything you would have done differently?

Crystal: Definitely. Looking at the way everything played out, I would have not voted out Corinne. I would have joined alliances with Bob, Corinne, Kenny, and myself. Any move during the whole game, that would be one of them. And I would not have chosen Susie from the playground pick.

RNO: From what we saw, you seemed to have doubts about writing Corinne’s name when Ken overthought the whole immunity idol situation, but you still went along with what Ken told you to do. Is that a good summary?

Crystal: Exactly, I trusted Ken because I trusted him from Day 1. But several times during the game I had second thoughts. We took a chance that night when Corinne went home because judging from personalities and the way past players have flip-flopped alliances, we went with what we thought was going to happen. My gut, which has never lied to me, regrets not writing down Matty’s name.

RNO: We’re out of time, so do you have anything else you’d like to tell us about your time on Survivor?

Crystal: It was an amazing experience being able to play the game with a diverse group of people. I completely enjoyed myself and hope it opens doors for Crystal Cox. Vote Crystal at 81818, number 5! [Note: That’s the vote to determine the player who gets $100,000 at the finale.]

RNO: Thanks again, Crystal!

If you haven’t already, be sure to check out these other recent Survivor: Gabon articles here on RealityNewsOnline:

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